Preventing ACL Injuries

ACL injuries are increasingly common, particularly in female athletes. Where do we stand on preventing these injuries?

Anterior cruciate Ligament (ACL) tears are among the most common injuries in young athletes today. National studies show a dramatic rise in ACL injuries — especially in female athletes — over the past 10 years. ACL injuries can lead to arthritis and other knee problems in aging athletes. Studies show that athletes can reduce their risk of injury as much as 72 percent by adhering to a knee strengthening and conditioning program. The Illinois Athletic Trainers Association (IATA) and sports medicine physicians at Midwest Orthopaedics at Rush (MOR), have teamed up to help prevent ACL injuries from occurring. Their public awareness program, “Knees for Life,” urges coaches and athletic trainers to institute ACL injury screenings and prevention programs for athletes at risk.